they were reunited in morning at sfo where newman arrived nonstop from beijing. friends and onlookers aflawed as he strolled through the airport, his comments brief. >> good morning, i'm delighted to be home. >> reporter: the 85-year-old veteran thanked the swedish embassy for helping with his release. >> it's been a great homecoming and i'm tired, but happy to be with my family. >> reporter: the refire retired executive was held without explanation. fellow sveltes say newman as an army officer helped to train an infamous unit of guerillas fighting behind enemy lines. newly deported from north korea he arrived in china with this to say about his captors. >> i'm very glad to be on my way home and i appreciate the tolerance that the government has given to me to be on my way. >> what would you like to do? >> go home and see my wife. >> reporter: within hours he had his wife r- wish. wife lee said she wanted her husband home at the head of the holiday table. >> thank you all for the support we got, and very much appreciate it. >> reporter: backing away from so many